On board MS HANSEATIC from Buenos Aires to Callao

Natural Spectacle at the End of the World

The snow-covered peaks of the Andes, untouched blue mountain lakes, steep towering granite pinnacles... Chile's fabulous countryside shines with a wide range of different colours. Set off on an exciting expedition that takes you to the most beautiful nature experiences.

Icy Giants and Fabulous Lake Districts Pristine nature and the breathtaking diversity of the scenery will provide you with unforgettable moments on this expedition. In the Beagle Channel, deep in the south of Patagonia, your attention will be captivated by the brilliant blue of the Garibaldi Glacier. Sealions and seabirds inhabit this overwhelming panorama, which you can enjoy from the Zodiac. En route from Punta Arenas to the penguin colony in Otway Bay*, you may also catch sight of nandus and condors. Alternatives are the Magellan National Park* or a city tour with visit to an estancia*, offering opportunities in terms of either natural or cultural discoveries. Thousands of Magellan penguins will welcome you with excited squawks when you land with the Zodiac on Isla Magdalena, a little further to the north. It becomes more peaceful when you cruise in Chile's majestic fjords. An unforgettable highlight in rich colours is offered by the Torres del Paine National Park*, starting from Puerto Natales: glaciers and fjords, far-ranging forests, turbulent waterfalls and emerald lakes form a spectacular habitat for birds like the mighty condor of the Andes. The park is named after its characteristic landmark - three majestic rocky towers with steep granite walls that reach a height of 3000 metres and shimmer in shades of blue in the sunlight. You get the best views of the mighty peaks on a hike through the Torres del Paine National Park*. Alternatively, deep insights into the Earth's interior can be had on the excursion to Milodon Cave and horseback ride in the Patagonian pampa*, where you will be amazed by the skeleton of a legendary giant sloth dating from the Ice Age. Another mighty relic of that period of Earth's history then presents itself to your gaze - the Pio XI Glacier is the biggest glacier of the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica.

Sat, 09.03.2013

Relaxation at sea

Sun, 10.03.2013

Puerto Chacabuco (Aisen)/Chile, from 6.00 to 13.00 hrs

You can admire the Pio XI Glacier from the perspective of a condor on a panoramic flight* from Puerto Chacabuco. On the hike in Aiken-del-Sur Park*, you wander through the deep green vegetation of Patagonia in fabulous scenery.

Mon, 11.03.2013

Puerto Montt/Chile, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs

A landscape tour on the legendary Panamericana, starting from Puerto Montt, takes you to the Chilean Lake District*. Alternatively, you can enjoy fascinating views of Chile's mountains of fire on a sightseeing flight over volcanoes and lakes*. Blue mountain lakes backed by snow-covered volcanic peaks, fabulous forests and the torrential Petrohue Waterfalls, which hurtle down over black volcanic cliffs - nature's artistry here reaches such heights that it will leave you breathless.

Tue, 12.03.2013

Niebla (Valdivia)/Chile, from 12.00 to 19.00 hrs

Chile's Urban Charm The HANSEATIC continues northward up the Pacific coast and arrives at Niebla. Diving petrels, albatrosses, skuas and many other bird species are at home here. A hike in Oncol National Park* will show you the wonderful variety of trees, while giving you fabulous panoramic views of the Pacific and the Andes mountains. You can look forward to adventures when you explore Valdivia and its surroundings*. A boat trip takes you past the islands of Mancera, Gran Isla del Rey and Haverbeck to Valdivia itself, where you will see the cathedral, the fort and the colourful river market.

Wed, 13.03.2013

Relaxation at sea

Thu, 14.03.2013

Valparaiso/Chile, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Valparaiso, Chile's cultural capital, has a wealth of impressions to offer on every square metre. This was where Pablo Neruda, Chile's national poet, lived and worked. On the excursion Valparaiso and Vina del Mar*, you will discover the highlights of the city and the fashionable beach resort nearby. Alternatively you can make a visit to the capital, Santiago de Chile*, admire the lordly buildings of the colonial era and explore the Precolumbian Museum.

When the HANSEATIC makes for Iquique, you can look forward to exciting expeditions with the Zodiacs off the Isla Damas and Isla Chanaral islands - expect to see Humboldt penguins, turkey vultures, cormorants, pelicans, Peruvian boobies and sea otters.

Sat, 16.03.2013

Relaxation at sea

Sun, 17.03.2013

Iquique/Chile, from 8.00 to 14.00 hrs

Mon, 18.03.2013

Relaxation at sea

Tue, 19.03.2013

Paracas (Pisco)/Peru, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs

Enigmatic Peru After the wealth of impressions you have gained in Chile, you are now on Peruvian soil, where a new highlight awaits you: starting from Paracas, join a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines* and marvel at these monumental drawings on the Earth's surface - the theories about their provenance greatly vary to the present day. A fitting conclusion to your expedition is the boat trip to the Islas Ballestas*, where you may see Inca swallows, Peruvian boobies and sealions and may even catch sight of a South American maned seal.

Callao is Peru’s biggest harbour and close to the capital, Lima. Despite chaotic traffic conditions, a constant grey mist that the locals call “garua”, and the rapidly growing shanty towns – formerly known as “barriadas” and today called “pueblos jovenes” – numerous historic sights dating from the colonial era and impressive collections of Peruvian art offer visitors a wealth of interesting impressions.

Thu, 21.03.2013

Arrival in Frankfurt

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.